Nightmare Gig #2

This nightmare gig comes from "America's Most Wanted", Fox TV, Sat., Aug. 19, 2000. Although the story was on AMW, it could also have been on "America's Dumbest Criminals."

A rock band composed of two off duty policemen and a police dispatcher among its personnel were in the midst of an evening gig at Mr.D's a small bar in Las Vegas, NV. The bar was crowded with many other off duty policemen amongst the customers.

Meanwhile three criminals unfortunately decided to rob that very bar crowded with policemen! So they burst into the bar, guns drawn and headed for the cash register. Some policemen, incredulously realizing a robbery was in progress, wrestled two of the criminals to the ground. At this point the third perpetrator opened fire and customers hit the floor in terror. Meanwhile an off duty policeman who happened to have a gun, assessed the situation and decided the only way to minimize injuries and death was to attempt to shoot the shooter.

They faced off, practically pistol to pistol, firing simultaneously. The policemen was hit seven times! The robber was mortally wounded. One of the other robbers escaped and the third was apprehended. Those who witnessed the horrendous event credit the off duty policeman with saving lives due to his bravery and quick, decisive action. In spite of suffering seven bullet wounds, the officer has returned to active duty only four months after that failed robbery. "America's Most Wanted" did not report if the band has returned to Mr. D's to play more gigs. Jason Oldsted